Book notes: Local writers publish new volumes

Published: Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 04:40 PM.

Three local authors recently released new self-published volumes ranging from science fiction to factual travelogue.

Ed Pipkin of Panama City has continued the science fiction exploits of his character, Angus, in the latest adventure of his Cadet Magnum series, “Angus’ Intergalactic Mission,” published in January. Available only as a Kindle download, the 85-page book written for young readers is 99 cents. It’s the 12th entry in the series, which follows a teenage hero fighting space pirates, rogue robots and more in deep space.

Pipkin was inspired to begin publishing his stories after he wrote the first Angus tale for his grandchildren and they begged for more stories. He now has sold upward of 3,500 digital copies of his novellas through Kindle, and his books generally receive 4- and 5-star ratings from readers. In “Angus’ Intergalactic Mission,” an alien empire abducts a patrol ship and young Angus pursues to rescue the crew, only to be captured by the technically superior race.

Pipkin also has a series of books about “The Robot Who Cared,” and he has published a historical novel of two young lovers caught up in the uncertainties of World War I, “Lake of Hiamone.” For more information, visit Amazon.com and search for “Ed Pipkin.”

Will Palfrey, who splits his time between Lynn Haven and Huntsville, Ala., has published “The Paradise of the Parrot,” subtitled “A Personal Journey to the Obscure Caribbean Commonwealth Island of Dominica.” The book is available in paperback (84 pages, with many full-color photos) from Lafleur Printing of Baton Rouge, La., by emailing Palfrey at WillPalfrey@hotmail.com.

Palfrey is a defense industry logistician and a keen traveler, according to biographical materials. He also owns his own sports collectibles business. He lived abroad for eight years and has traveled to 40 countries as well as seven Canadian provinces, 45 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. This is his first book.

T. Cowart’s new novel, “And the Sky was Blue,” is the story of a young boy who struggles to overcome childhood adversity to become a success as a man. According to promotional material, Timothy Magic’s experiences guide the reader to “understand love, honesty, treachery and the sheer joy of overcoming fear or the threat of death.” The tale begins in a Southern town and journeys to the jungles of Vietnam, the lights of Las Vegas and the shimmering waters of the Caribbean.

Three local authors recently released new self-published volumes ranging from science fiction to factual travelogue.

Ed Pipkin of Panama City has continued the science fiction exploits of his character, Angus, in the latest adventure of his Cadet Magnum series, “Angus’ Intergalactic Mission,” published in January. Available only as a Kindle download, the 85-page book written for young readers is 99 cents. It’s the 12th entry in the series, which follows a teenage hero fighting space pirates, rogue robots and more in deep space.

Pipkin was inspired to begin publishing his stories after he wrote the first Angus tale for his grandchildren and they begged for more stories. He now has sold upward of 3,500 digital copies of his novellas through Kindle, and his books generally receive 4- and 5-star ratings from readers. In “Angus’ Intergalactic Mission,” an alien empire abducts a patrol ship and young Angus pursues to rescue the crew, only to be captured by the technically superior race.

Pipkin also has a series of books about “The Robot Who Cared,” and he has published a historical novel of two young lovers caught up in the uncertainties of World War I, “Lake of Hiamone.” For more information, visit Amazon.com and search for “Ed Pipkin.”

Will Palfrey, who splits his time between Lynn Haven and Huntsville, Ala., has published “The Paradise of the Parrot,” subtitled “A Personal Journey to the Obscure Caribbean Commonwealth Island of Dominica.” The book is available in paperback (84 pages, with many full-color photos) from Lafleur Printing of Baton Rouge, La., by emailing Palfrey at WillPalfrey@hotmail.com.

Palfrey is a defense industry logistician and a keen traveler, according to biographical materials. He also owns his own sports collectibles business. He lived abroad for eight years and has traveled to 40 countries as well as seven Canadian provinces, 45 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. This is his first book.

T. Cowart’s new novel, “And the Sky was Blue,” is the story of a young boy who struggles to overcome childhood adversity to become a success as a man. According to promotional material, Timothy Magic’s experiences guide the reader to “understand love, honesty, treachery and the sheer joy of overcoming fear or the threat of death.” The tale begins in a Southern town and journeys to the jungles of Vietnam, the lights of Las Vegas and the shimmering waters of the Caribbean.

The book is available only as a Kindle download, at 594 pages for $7.99. For details, visit Amazon.com and search “And the Sky was Blue: A Novel.”